Moments with You Couples Devotional 9/4

2018Sep 04

COMMENTS

SEPTEMBER 4

Fork in the Road

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor. PROVERBS 18:12

Years ago, I conducted a public interview with Bill and Vonette Bright, who founded Campus Crusade for Christ. I asked them, "Was there ever a time in your marriage where you were at a real crisis? A true fork in the road that could have ended in disaster?"

Bill's eyes filled with tears, his head dropped a bit, and he began to nod. There was shame and sorrow in his voice as he began to tell about a disagreement that had momentarily threatened their marriage.

It began when Bill had begun to make some key ministry decisions without consulting Vonette, even though the choices he was making directly affected her. One day as they argued about one of these issues, Bill declared, "The decision has been made, and it's too late to change our plans now."

Suddenly, all the resentment building inside Vonette erupted. "Okay, Bill Bright! I'll just leave! I'm not going to live where I have nothing to say about what goes on." She whisked the children into the car, got in the driver's seat, and then slumped. Where would she go?

At this point, their young son Zac made a statement that cut to the core: "Mom, this shows me the kind of person you really are." As her son's words stung her, Bill burst through the front door and deliberately got in front of her car. He pleaded, "Don't go, Vonette."

He went on to apologize, and she did too. Then Bill backed up his words of apology by changing the decision they had argued about. Later, Vonette wrote, "I stayed because he took the first step toward reconciliation and working out our problems. It took a real man of God to admit he was wrong, and this gave me the courage to confess my poor attitude."

The Brights' marriage flourished for more than 50 years until Bill's death in 2003. They never quit. Neither should you.

DISCUSS

Have you faced any forks in the road? What key decisions have strengthened your marriage?

PRAY

Pray for a heart of humility so that you will always take the first step toward reconciliation.